Acclaimed children's book author Ellen Oh takes us on a captivating journey, sharing insights into her diverse literary portfolio and the personal experiences that have shaped her writing. 

From her early days as a lawyer and college instructor to her transition into the world of children's literature, explore Ellen's path to literary success. Delve into the inspirations behind her middle grade novels and her love for this age group. Discover how Ellen's own experiences navigating the complexities of being caught between two cultures - American and Asian - have influenced her narratives and characters.

Join us as we unpack Ellen's passion for creating diverse, relatable stories for young readers. Learn how her involvement with the "We Need Diverse Books" organization has empowered her to champion representation and inclusion in the world of children's literature. Prepare to be inspired by Ellen's unique voice and her mission to uplift underrepresented experiences through the power of storytelling.

Website: https://www.ellenoh.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtjosephhttps://www.instagram.com/elloecho/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fredericktjoseph?lang=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theellenoh

X: https://twitter.com/fredtjosephhttps://twitter.com/elloellenoh

EP. 128 Ellen Oh, STUCK between cultures and WRITING for Middle School

Fredrick Joseph, New York Times Best Selling author, thought-provoking speaker, and advocate for equity and social justice, joins us for a captivating conversation. Fredrick will discuss his new poetry collection "We Alive, Beloved," which explores a new genre that seeks to find joy in moments of difficulty.

Whether illuminating the beauty of being Black, highlighting the hope that can be found in childhood, or sharing intimate truths revealed on a mental health journey, this collection will appeal to both new and established readers of poetry. Fredrick's words promise to resonate within the deepest corners of your soul, leaving a mark on your heart and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of being alive.

As a proud New Yorker, Fredrick will share insights into his upbringing and the cultural influences that have informed his perspectives on the world. Delving into the realms of music and sports, he'll unpack the powerful interconnections between these mediums and the pursuit of equality and liberation.

Listeners can expect a dynamic and insightful dialogue as Fredrick shares his unique experiences, challenges preconceptions, and offers a blueprint for a more just and equitable future.

Website: https://frederickjoseph.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtjoseph

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fredericktjoseph?lang=en

X: https://twitter.com/fredtjoseph

EP. 127 Fredrick Joseph, speaks on family, Palestine, and Sports

As we sit down with Saadia Faruqi, a talented writer and advocate for diversity in children's literature. Saadia shares her inspiring journey of writing books that resonate with her daughter, with a strong desire for her to see herself represented in literature. We explore the importance of having range in writing, capturing the early years, middle school, and older ages to cater to a wide audience. Saadia also discusses her mission as a Pakistani American writer and the significance of discussing religion with children. Get a sneak peek into her new series, "Ali the Great," focusing on the early years, set to release on August 1st. We also delve into the exciting books that Saadia has in the pipeline for the upcoming years. Website: https://saadiafaruqi.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaadiaFaruqi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saadiafaruqi/

EP. 126 Saadia Faruqi on Ali the Great and early Influences during her writing career

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we dive deep into the life and experiences of Antonio Michael Downing, author, musician, and speaker. Antonio shares his journey growing up in Toronto and the profound influence his grandmother had on his life and family. We explore the pressures that people of color face when creating and the challenges of letting go of control when it comes to something you've built and created. Antonio also shares his perspective on life as a bounty of creativity, and the mental health tools he uses to take care of himself. Tune in to learn more about Antonio's new book "Orphan Blue" and the powerful stories he tells through his work. Follow Antonio online: Website: https://www.antoniomichaeldowning.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/John_Orpheus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnorpheus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.orpheus.3/

EP. 125 Antonio Michael Downing, Orphan Blue, Black Grandma's & creative freedom

Join us on this episode of the podcast as we chat with Ekiuwa Aire, founder of Our Ancestories. Ekiuwa shares her experiences growing up in boarding school in Nigeria and how her family, especially her kids, inspired her to write books that represent African history and culture. She also discusses her biggest influence, Vasti Harrison, and how her work has impacted her own writing. Tune in to learn more about Ekiuwa's journey and the importance of representation in children's literature. Follow Ekiuwa: Website: https://our-ancestories.com/en-ca/pages/about Twitter: https://twitter.com/ancestories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/our.ancestoriess/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our_ancestories/

EP. 124 Ekiuwa Aire, exploring African history and representation, and influences

Jennifer Baker was named the 2019 Publishers Weekly Star Watch “SuperStar” because her “varied work championing diversity in publishing has made her an indispensable fixture in the book business.” She is the recipient of a 2017 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship and a 2017 Queens Council on the Arts New Work Grant (as well as the QCA Jr. Board Artistic Excellence Award) in Nonfiction. Her essay “What We Aren’t” was also listed as a Notable Essay in The Best American Essays 2018. On Its Personal, Jennifer chats about her debut YA, FORGIVE ME NOT, and all of its meanings. Jennifer shares her thought process around the story, and how the multiple themes within the story have an impact on today's world. Throughout this chat, Jennfier also dives into her childhood and explains some of her most memorable moments in school. Website: https://www.jennifernbaker.com/bio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbakernyc/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbakernyc FORGIVE ME NOT: https://www.jennifernbaker.com/forgive-me-not-novel

EP. 123 Jennifer N. Baker talks FORGIVE ME NOT and early environment

Nawal Qarooni is an educator, writer, and adjunct professor who supports a holistic approach to literacy instruction and family experiences in schools across the country. Drawing on her work as an inquiry-based leader, mother, and proud daughter of immigrants, Nawal's pedagogy is centered on the rich and authentic learning all families gift their children every day. Upcoming book: Nourishing Caregiver Collaborations: Elevating Home Experiences and Classroom Practices for Collective Care (Stenhouse, end of '23 or early '24). Website: https://www.nqcliteracy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/NQCLiteracy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nqarooni

EP. 122 Nawal Qarooni talks being a Momma and the lit world she lives in

Breanna J. McDaniel (she/her/hers) is the co-founder of REIYL (Researchers Exploring Inclusive Youth Literature) and an author. She’s published in myriad academic journals, an academic anthology and her debut picture book Hands Up! was published with Dial Books in 2019, while her newest picture book Impossible Moon was published with Denene Millner Books in June of 2022. She has five forthcoming picture books, one with Dial GO FORTH AND TELL: The Life of August Baker, Librarian and Master Storyteller coming in February of 2024 and Cute Toot with Henry Holt Books for Young Readers in the Spring of 2024. On ItsPersonal Breanna chats about growing up in the South, hard truths about her current position with education, and her soon-to-be-published picture book, Cute Toot. A podcast conversation, you do not want to miss. Website: https://www.breannajmcdaniel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bremacbooks/

EP. 121 Breanna J. McDaniel hard truths and new books

Jamila is such a warm soul. In 2017 Jamila created a lifestyle design coaching methodology to help people find intentional, aligned, and strategic ways to transform their lives into what they want them to be. Jamila is also the host of a podcast called Deliberate and Doing it Afraid, where stories, reflections, and revelations are shared. On Its Personal Jamila talks about the art of living, growing up in the south, design, and motherhood. Website: https://jamilareddy.me/meet-jamila#about-bottomInstagram: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamilaReddy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamilareddy/?hl=en

EP. 120 Jamila Reddy on the art of living, the south and family

Born the second of six cool kids. The South Bronx is where he first opened his eyelids. A land shrouded in bright-colored decay, the birthplace of graffiti and the hip-hop DJ! He paints fantasy worlds of elephants, and castles too! Accompanying this wonder is some whimsical truth. Charles has a voice that is seldom heard. A fusion of jazz, distorted guitars, and chirping birds. C.G chats never being a reader, and starting to draw in kindergarten. He also talks closely about his family, and growing up with very little during the 90s. School was not great, but his family found ways to figure it out. Author and Illustrator of "Red, Yellow,Blue and a dash of White too!"(Skypony Press) And “Boogie Boogie, Y’all”(Harper Collins)

EP. 119 C.G Esperanza on never being a reader and one of six siblings

Welcome to ItsPersonalPodcast hosted by Gary R. Gray Jr. Gary is a teacher in Manila (Philippines). He enjoys talking with anyone who is willing to listen and share their stories with him. On this podcast you will find a talk series from Gary in which he dives deep into his childhood and current life. He takes the time to dissect his decision making and "accomplishments" up until now, and if he is truly living a full life. On his second podcast series #ItsPersonal, Gary speaks with educators, authors, teachers, parents, people from all walks of life on who they are behind the computer. His mission is to speak with those from the Global Majority, and listen. He takes guest on a ride down memory lane, asking personal questions about identity and true meaning of life. It's not your typical pod. And don't expect professional editing. You can find Gary on all social media platforms @GaryRGrayJr

It's Personal Podcast